Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged breasts in males. It can occur in newborns and is attributed to an excess of female hormones from the mother. Adolescent boys can develop it, also attributed to a hormonal imbalance, but will usually see the condition disappear within a year or two.

For men of all ages, but particularly those at middle age or beyond, Gynecomastia is an unsightly and embarrassing affliction. It is not just a deteriorating physique. The condition is often attributed to hormone imbalance or drugs, but the true cause often remains uncertain. In South Florida with our great climate and multitude of outdoor activities, men with Gynecomastia are often self-conscious about removing their shirts. Cosmetic surgery to eliminate enlarged breasts for men involves the removal of fatty tissue and glandular material and possibly excess skin on the breasts.

The reduction of male breasts has the same medical term as for women: breast reduction surgery. After anesthesia is administered, the doctor will take one of several routes to reduce the breasts. If they consist solely of excess fat tissue, an incision will be made and liposuction will be used to remove the fat. Thus a simple solution is used for mild cases of Gynecomastia.

If there is glandular tissue to be removed, the doctor will make an incision at a point on the chest where it is concealed by natural creases and excise the glandular breast tissue as well. This incision should also allow for reduction of the skin covering the breast and re-draping the area prior to suturing if needed. In severe cases where the areola has become enlarged, an additional incision may be made to reduce that tissue as well. In many cases, both liposuction and surgical removal of tissue and skin are employed.

The procedure typically takes 1 to 3 hours and the patient is allowed to return home the same day as surgery.

Following the procedure, patients will experience temporary bruising, swelling, soreness, possible numbness and a burning sensation. Most patients are able to return to work within a week and are advised to limit strenuous activity for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

It is possible that the chest may show a less than perfect contour, rippling of the skin, or even skin discoloration if liposuction is used. There is also the chance that the surgery will result in a change in sensation of the nipple. As with any surgery, there is the risk of excessive bleeding, infection, or problems with the incisions healing.

There may be irregularities in the shape of the breast, or asymmetry as one remains larger than the other.

If you are considering having surgery to reduce the size of your breasts, contact Dr. Tracey Stokes today to schedule a private consultation to discuss your options. Dr. Stokes understands that this condition can be damaging to a male's self esteem and confidence and will develop an individualized strategy that will best suit your needs and goals.

Dr. Stokes will discuss your concerns and will tell you everything you need to know about the procedure and its benefits and risks. It is also important to treat the underlying causes of Gynecomastia if appropriate, as it is not simply a symptom of obesity. That treatment should be worked out by Dr. Stokes and your primary physician.